Federal Register #FAA-2026-0736

FAA Airworthiness Directives for Bell Textron Canada Limited and Leonardo Helicopters

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, has issued airworthiness directives (ADs) targeting safety improvements for specific helicopter models: - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch - OEMs Involved: - Bell Textron Canada Limited (BTCL) - Leonardo S.p.a. - Products/Services Requested: - For Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 407 helicopters: - One-time detailed visual inspection of electrical harnesses for chafing (quantity: 333 helicopters) - Corrective actions if chafing is found - Rotation of backshell cast housing of connectors - Installation of wire harness bracket and support - Installation of wire bundle sleeve for certain helicopters - For Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139, AW139, and AW189 helicopters: - Repetitive inspections of brake pedal tube assemblies and pedal shaft assemblies for cracks - Corrective actions as needed - Prohibition on installing certain parts unless requirements are met - Unique/Notable Requirements: - The Bell directive is a one-time inspection and modification to prevent cockpit fire risks and loss of control - The Leonardo directive requires ongoing, repetitive inspections to prevent brake pedal structural failure and loss of yaw control - No specific part numbers are provided; actions are regulatory and maintenance-focused rather than procurement of new products - Locations: - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX - FAA Aviation Safety Engineer Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY - U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 407 helicopters. This AD addresses chafing on electrical harnesses in the aircraft instrument panel area, requiring a one-time detailed visual inspection and corrective actions if necessary. It also mandates rotation of the backshell cast housing of connectors, installation of a wire harness bracket and support, and for certain helicopters, installation of a wire bundle sleeve. The directive aims to prevent unsafe conditions such as smoke or fire in the cockpit and loss of control of the helicopter.

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